Are There Any Basic Lands Worth Money?
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Yes, absolutely! While basic lands might seem like the most common and ubiquitous cards in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a surprising number of them are actually quite valuable. The worth of a basic land is influenced by a variety of factors including the set it’s from, artwork, rarity (especially if it’s a foil), and overall demand from players and collectors. Let’s delve into the specifics and explore just how some seemingly ordinary cards can command a significant price tag.
Why Are Some Basic Lands Valuable?
The seemingly simple question of “why” is actually quite complex. Several elements combine to elevate certain basic lands above the bulk bin and into the realm of valuable collectibles.
Artwork and Set Rarity
The most immediately obvious difference between basic lands is their artwork. Certain lands feature iconic artwork or are from older, more popular sets, making them highly sought after. For instance, Ungued lands stand out due to their unique full-art designs, often featuring whimsical and non-traditional imagery. An Unglued Island or Forest can fetch around $8.00, which is significantly higher than many other basic land options. It is interesting that, unlike most sets where Islands are generally more valuable, in Unglued sets, the Forest can command equal value.
Foil Rarity
Foil versions of basic lands are typically rarer than their non-foil counterparts, leading to significantly higher prices. As sets rotate out of production, their foils naturally become more scarce, driving prices even higher. A good example of this is the basic Swamp from Odyssey: while a non-foil version might be around $0.75, the foil version can easily be worth $5 or more, depending on condition. This is a clear illustration of the premium that foil lands can demand.
Scarcity and Collectibility
Scarcity, particularly for lands from older sets or promotional releases, is another major factor in their value. Guru Lands, which are famously expensive, serve as a prime example. These lands were part of a promotional program that only ran for a short period and required a substantial time investment to obtain. Their extreme scarcity is the primary reason they have become highly prized collectibles.
Condition is Key
Like any collectible, the condition of a basic land plays a massive role in its value. Cards in mint condition or near-mint condition command the highest prices, while those with significant wear and tear, such as creases, bends, or heavy scratching, will be worth considerably less. Grading services, like PSA or BGS, can authenticate cards and provide a professional assessment of their condition, which can increase their value and desirability to collectors.
Demand
Demand for certain lands can also greatly impact their value, even among common basics. The high-end eternal formats, such as Commander and Legacy, often utilize older, specific printings, or certain art, which creates a demand that can cause some of these specific lands to skyrocket in price. Even something as simple as a very specific promo art can be enough to propel a basic land from bulk to an expensive card.
Surprising Examples
Even beyond foils and promotional lands, there are other unexpected basics that can command high prices. Specific lands from older sets, with unique art or certain print errors, can be highly sought after. This shows the importance of checking through even seemingly “bulk” basic land boxes, as you never know when you might find a hidden gem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Basic Lands
Here are some commonly asked questions that further clarify the value and use of basic lands in Magic: The Gathering:
1. Are foil basic lands worth anything?
Yes, foil basic lands are typically worth more than their non-foil counterparts. Many foil lands, especially those from older sets or with unique art, can be highly valuable, sometimes commanding several times the price of the non-foil version.
2. Does basic land count as land?
Absolutely. By definition, any land with the supertype “basic” is a basic land. This is clearly stated in the official MTG rules: “Any land with the supertype ‘basic’ is a basic land.” This is important as basic lands are subject to the rules of playing lands.
3. Are foil lands rare?
Yes, foil lands are typically rarer than non-foil versions. The process of creating foil cards is different and not all cards are made as foils, which naturally makes them less common to find in boosters or elsewhere. Additionally, not all sets have the exact same rate of foil cards, making some foil lands much rarer than others.
4. Why are some foil lands worth less?
Some foil lands might be worth less than expected because they were released as promo cards in abundance, causing their scarcity to be diminished. Some printings of foil lands are also deemed less appealing by collectors, due to art style or color variance.
5. Are all basic lands legal?
Basic lands are legal in a format if they were printed in a set that is also legal in that format. Formats have specific rules for which sets are legal to use, which also includes basic lands.
6. What is the rule 305 in MTG about lands?
Rule 305 in the MTG Comprehensive Rules pertains to playing lands. Specifically, rule 305.1 explains that a player may play a land card from their hand during a main phase of their turn when the stack is empty. Playing a land is a special action and does not utilize the stack.
7. What are the 5 things considered land?
In a general sense, the word “land” can refer to land cover, rivers, shallow lakes, natural resources, non-marine fauna and flora, the lower atmosphere, groundwater, and human-made structures. It is important to distinguish this generalized meaning from land within a game of MTG.
8. Why are Guru lands so expensive?
Guru lands are extremely expensive primarily due to their extreme scarcity. They were only available through a promotional program that was short-lived and required a significant commitment. Very few of these lands exist, making them highly coveted by collectors.
9. How many basic lands should I have in a deck?
The ideal number of basic lands in your deck depends on the mana cost of your cards. A good starting point is 40 or 41 lands for an average mana cost of three, adjusting downward by one land for every three or four cheap card draw or mana ramp spells in your deck.
10. What is a foil edition?
A foil edition card, often called a “premium” card, has a foil or glossy finish. This finish is achieved through a special printing process that creates a reflective effect on the card’s surface.
11. What is the strongest color in MTG?
Blue is often considered the strongest color in MTG due to its ability to draw and manipulate cards, which is powerful in competitive play. However, the strength of a color depends on the specific cards available in each format and deck.
12. What does a foil magic card look like?
A foil Magic card has a shiny, reflective surface. It’s easily noticeable when you tilt it towards a light source, with a clear difference compared to a regular non-foil card. This is why most people can instantly spot if a card is a foil.
13. How can you tell if a card is foil etched?
Foil-etched cards have a matte finish with less glare than regular foils. You’ll notice a textured look with a metallic granular finish that contains tiny metal specks.
14. What is the difference between gilded and gold?
Gilded means a layer of gold applied to another material, whereas gold is a pure metallic element. Gilding is often used to give an object the appearance of gold without being made of solid gold. This is why gilded cards are often reflective, but not made from solid gold.
15. Are MTG cards from the 90s worth anything?
Yes, MTG cards from the 90s, especially the Alpha set, can be extremely valuable. Many common cards from this era are worth thousands of dollars, and some of the rarest cards, such as the Alpha Dual Lands and Moxen, are worth a fortune.
Conclusion
The world of basic lands in Magic: The Gathering is far more nuanced than it might initially appear. While many basic lands are simply seen as necessary components for gameplay, some cards are surprisingly valuable and sought after. By understanding the factors that influence their worth – such as rarity, artwork, set, condition, and format demand – you can appreciate the hidden value that some seemingly ordinary basic lands can hold. So, next time you’re going through your MTG collection, take a closer look at your basic lands; you just might have a hidden treasure lurking in there.